State Delegation: Major Milestone Reached for Green Line

Medford’s Delegation Satisfied with Governor’s Proposed Funding for Green Line Extension

Pictured from left: Somerville Mayor Josephy Curtatone, State Senator Anthony Gallucio (D-Cambridge), State Senator Steven Tolman (D-Watertown), Governor Deval Patrick, State Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford), State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), State Representative Tim Toomey (D-Cambridge), State Representative Denise Provost (D-Somerville), and State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford). Courtesy photo.

Medford’s state delegation announced Thursday they are happy with Governor Deval Patrick’s $600 million proposal to fully fund the extension of the Green Line to Somerville and Medford, calling it a “major milestone” for the transit project in a joint statement.

State Representatives Carl Sciortino, Paul Donato, and Jim Marzilli, and State Senator Pat Jehlen asked the Governor to include full funding for the project during a meeting in July.

“The governor and our legislative delegation have worked together to get this project back on track. We look forward to continued cooperation throughout the planning, construction, and operation of the Green Line Extension,” said Sen. Jehlen in a written statement.

“We have reached a major milestone. This fulfills a promise the Governor made to the delegation in July. Inclusion of full funding is what we’ve been working towards, and I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to the Green Line and to Somerville and Medford,” said Rep. Sciortino.

The money is included in the state’s multi-billion dollar transportation bond bill. The state is also seeking federal funding for the project.

According to the legislators, the authorization of state bond money for the full cost will allow the project to begin and be completed on schedule regardless of whether federal funding is awarded.

The money is the latest development on the Green Line extension. Last month the state announced the beginning of the 18-month environmental review process, and a public advisory group has begun holding meetings.

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The next public meeting of the Green Line Advisory group is Monday, December 3, 4PM-6PM at the Community Room of the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell Street, Somerville. See GreenLineExtension.org for the latest Green Line extension news and updates.